stirring the pot
Inciting needless conflict
Stirring the pot is deliberately saying or doing something to provoke controversy, conflict, or strong reactions among others.
The expression evokes the image of stirring a cooking pot to bring what's settled at the bottom back to the surface.
Someone who stirs the pot may do so for entertainment, to expose hidden tensions, or simply because they enjoy drama.
He's just stirring the pot with those comments about the new policy.
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
- provokeIncite a response
- poking the bearNeedlessly angering something powerful
- rabble-rousingInciting mob sentiment
- agitateDisturb or provoke
rocking the boat · instigate · foment · fanning the flames · mix · discord · inflame · adding fuel to the fire · antagonize · incite · making waves · tension · meddling · rouse · let sleeping dogs lie · drama · controversy · poking
- food idiomspiece of cake, bread winner, low-hanging fruit, cool as a cucumber, bad egg
stirring the potpeacekeeping
Preventing or ending conflict
making peace · pouring oil on troubled waters · mediating · reconciling · peacemaking
stirring the potstaying neutral
letting sleeping dogs lie · standing aside · taking a back seat · disengaging
stir, stirring, stirred, stirs, potter, potting, stirrer, unstirred, stirrers